Your Family's First Day in Niseko, Hour by Hour: Airport, Rentals, Onsen and Dinner

Short answer first. Day one of a family trip to Niseko is a day you don't ski. The transfer from the airport, check-in, rentals, dinner — that's the whole day. As an example, here's what day one looks like, hour by hour, for a family of four landing at New Chitose at 9am. The trick to not rushing: leave an hour of slack everywhere.

• 9:00 Land at New Chitose
• Until 12:00 To Hirafu. Allow about 2.5 hours in winter
• 12:00 Lunch, check in around 13:30
• 13:30–15:30 Rentals. A family of four takes 1–2 hours
• 16:00 Onsen to unwind
• 19:00 Dinner. Book ahead in peak season, and leave an hour early

9:00 Landing at New Chitose

From the airport to Hirafu takes about two hours in summer, but closer to two and a half in winter because everyone drives slowly on snow (that's my rough guide — weather and road conditions change it).

You can come by bus, private transfer or rental car — see Getting to Niseko from New Chitose Airport. With kids and lots of luggage, a transfer to your door is the easiest.

12:00 Lunch and check-in

You'll arrive around lunchtime. A convenience store is fine, or there are restaurants near Hirafu.

Check-in times vary by property. If you arrive early you may not get into your room, so ask when you book whether you can drop your bags and head out.

13:30 Rentals (allow 1–2 hours)

There are ski and snowboard rental shops all over Hirafu. For choosing one, see the Niseko Hub visitor page.

This is where the time goes. Measuring feet, trying boots, fitting ski length, adjusting bindings — do that for four people and you should allow one to two hours.

• Note down everyone's height, weight and shoe size
• If the shop takes online bookings, book ahead — it's faster
• On day one, getting your gear sorted is enough. Ski from day two

16:00 Unwind at an onsen

If you have time left, go to a day-visit onsen. It washes off the travel, and the kids sleep early. You can find day-visit onsen on Niseko Hub too.

19:00 Dinner (the most important part)

In peak season, always book dinner. Few places take walk-ins, and more often than not you'll turn up to find it full. How to book is in Do You Need to Book Restaurants in Niseko?

Then there's getting there. This is the trap.

• You won't get a taxi. There are taxi apps, but in practice cars rarely come. Local taxi companies have very few cars
• Ask your hotel. Getting the front desk to call a taxi company and book one for you is the surest way
• The roads jam. In peak season, a five-minute drive can take 30–40 minutes or more. If there's an accident, traffic can stop completely

A local tip: if you have a dinner booking, leave an hour early. Plenty of restaurants will give your table away if you're 30 minutes late. Losing a booking you worked hard to get because of the drive is the most frustrating thing that can happen.

Tips for a smooth first day

• Plan day one assuming you won't ski
• An hour of slack for every move
• Book dinner and taxis before your trip
• If the kids are tired, onsen and an early night set you up for day two

FAQ

How long does it take from New Chitose to Niseko in winter?

About two and a half hours as a guide. Snow or accidents can make it longer.

How long do rentals take?

Allow at least 30 minutes per person, or one to two hours for a family of four.

Can you get a taxi in Niseko?

In peak winter, hardly ever. Ask your hotel's front desk to book one in advance.

Should I book dinner?

In peak season, always. Few places take walk-ins.

— Niseko Hub Editorial Team